The African Diaspora in Russia: History, Contributions, and Potential for Africa-Russia Relations.

Aua Jeremaih Acuro ORCID: 0000-0002-8085-0894 Postgraduate student, Department of Theory and History of International Relations, Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia 117198, Russia, Moscow, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 15, sq. 14 acuro96@gmail.com Other publications by this author

Theoretical Framework.

The study of diaspora is a complex and multidisciplinary field that draws on a range of theoretical frameworks. In this paper, we draw on the push-pull theory, transnationalism theory, and hybridity theory to analyze the experiences of the African diaspora in Russia.

Introduction:

In today's globalized world, the diaspora has emerged as a powerful lobbying force, influencing policies in both the home and host countries. To study the diaspora is to get out of the "territorial trap"^[1] as denounced by John Agnew. The term “diaspora” (From the Hebrew Bible in the Greek translation) literally means “dispersion”. The word was originally used to refer to the dispersion of the Jewish people from ancient Israel to the lands outside Palestine after the Babylonian captivity^[2]. Over time, the term has become more widely used, particularly in situations that fit these criteria (e.g., the Armenian, Greek, and African diaspora)^[3]

Diaspora therefore is defined as a community of people who live outside their country of origin or ancestry, but maintain strong cultural, social, and economic ties with it. Diaspora community organizations and members have become an important topic of discussion in the foreign policy of nation states, and it also contributes to strengthening bilateral relations between nations. The power of diaspora to influence the foreign policy of both the home and host countries is a valuable tool that strengthens their identity on a global platform^[4]. Hence the diaspora is a soft power tool for the host and home country. Examples of diaspora communities include the Chinese diaspora, which is spread across the world and contributes significantly to China's economic growth through trade and investment^[5]; the Indian diaspora, which constitute a huge economic status^[6] the Jewish diaspora, which has maintained cultural and religious traditions for thousands of years despite living in different parts of the world; and the African diaspora, which includes people of African descent living in different parts of the world and has played a significant role in promoting African culture and identity^[7]. The recent increased in number of people from Africa in Russia and the creation of diasporic associations and organizations, are great potentials for Russian African Relations.

Historical Overview of the African diaspora in Russia.

The African diaspora in Russia is a diverse and dynamic community, with roots in many different countries across the African continent. Despite facing significant challenges, including discrimination and marginalization, the African diaspora in Russia has made important contributions to Russian society and has the potential to play a key role in strengthening Africa-Russia relations. The history of the African diaspora in Russia is complex and multifaceted, shaped by various historical and geopolitical factors, including the slave trade, colonization, Soviet-era policies, and contemporary migration patterns.^[8]

The history of the African diaspora in Russia dates back to the 16th century when the first Africans arrived in Moscow as part of diplomatic and trade missions from Ethiopia and the Kingdom of Kongo. During the 17th and 18th centuries, African slaves were brought to Russia by the Dutch and Portuguese merchants, who sold them to Russian aristocrats and wealthy merchants. These slaves were mainly used as domestic servants and entertainers, and their numbers were relatively small, estimated to be around 100-200 individuals.^[9]

In the 19th century, Russia abolished slavery, and the number of Africans in Russia dwindled. However, a small number of African students and political exiles began to arrive in Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking education and political asylum. Some of the most prominent African intellectuals of the time, such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey, visited Russia and established contacts with the Russian revolutionary movement.^[10]

During the Soviet era, the African diaspora in Russia grew significantly, as the Soviet government actively supported anti-colonial struggles in Africa and provided scholarships and other forms of assistance to African students and political activists. Many Africans came to study in Soviet universities, and some even became members of the Soviet Communist Party. The Soviet Union also provided military and technical assistance to various African countries, and thousands of Soviet military advisers and engineers worked in Africa in the 1960s and 1970s.^[11]

In the post-Soviet era, the African diaspora in Russia has become more diverse and fragmented, reflecting the broader trends of globalization and migration. Today, the African diaspora in Russia is estimated to be around 50,000 individuals, with the largest communities coming from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Angola. Many Africans live in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but there are also significant communities in other Russian cities, such as Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, and Novosibirsk.^[12]

The African diaspora community and associations in Russia.

has been growing steadily in recent years, with many Africans coming to Russia for education, work, and other opportunities. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of African diaspora associations and organizations in Russia, working to support and empower African communities and individuals.

One such organization is the African Students Association in Russia (ASAR), which was founded in 2011 to provide support and resources for African students studying in Russia. ASAR organizes cultural events, provides mentorship and networking opportunities, and advocates for the rights and interests of African students in Russia. According to ASAR's website, the organization has over 3,000 members from over 50 African countries.

Another organization working to support the African diaspora in Russia is the African Council in Russia (ACR), which was founded in 2015. ACR aims to promote economic, cultural, and social cooperation between African countries and Russia, as well as to support the integration and empowerment of African communities in Russia. ACR organizes events such as the African Cultural Festival and the African Business Forum, and provides information and resources for African entrepreneurs and investors in Russia.

Other African diaspora associations in Russia include the Nigerian Community in Russia, the Ghanaian Association in Russia, the Ethiopian Community in Russia, The Cameroonian diaspora in Russia (DIASPOCAM). These organizations provide a range of services and support for their members, including cultural events, language classes, and legal and immigration assistance.

Considering the Cameroonian diaspora in Russia, the association was created in 2021 and later registered officially at the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation in Moscow. The goals of this association are to:

· Create a legal platform for meeting, helping each other, collaborating, and Create networks and viable strategic partnerships;

· Present, share, and expand successful diaspora models;

· Accompany and assist businesses and investments in Cameroon and;

· Showcase a good image of the Republic of Cameroon in the Russian Federation, maintaining close ties with the governments of Cameroon and Russia and any other representative bodies with objectives similar to those of our Association^[13]

The author being an active member qualifies this Cameroonian diaspora association (DIASPOCAM), as “A bridge to the Cameroonian-Russian relations”.

Contributions of the African Diaspora in Russia:

The African diaspora in Russia has made significant contributions to various fields, including science, culture, sports, and politics. Some of the most notable African figures in Russian history include:

- Abram Gannibal (1696-1781), an Ethiopian nobleman who was brought to Russia as a slave and became a general in the Russian army and the great-grandfather of Alexander Pushkin, Russia's most celebrated poet.^[14]

- Ahmed Sékou Touré (1922-1984), the first president of Guinea and a prominent anti-colonial leader who studied in Moscow and maintained close ties with the Soviet Union.^[15]

- Samuel Okwaraji (1964-1989), a Nigerian football player who played for Dinamo Zagreb and VfB Stuttgart and died on the field during a match between Nigeria and Angola.^[16]

Today, the African diaspora in Russia has made important contributions to Russian society. Many members of the African community in Russia have established successful businesses and have become prominent members of Russian society. African students and professionals have also made important contributions to Russian science, technology, and culture. In addition, the African diaspora in Russia has helped to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Russia and Africa.^[17]

Challenges:

Despite its contributions, the African diaspora in Russia faces various challenges, including, discrimination, social and economic marginalization, with limited access to employment opportunities. Language barriers and cultural differences also pose significant challenges, making it difficult for Africans to integrate into Russian society.^[18]

Conclusion and Recommendations:

The concept of diaspora has gained increasing attention due to the current processes of globalization and the difficulties they present to the nation-state's institutions and ideologies. Diasporic communities worldwide have become a form of soft power, contributing to the development, influence, and reinforcement of the relationship between their home and host countries. Foreign policy is no longer solely the responsibility of the diplomatic corps; rather, diaspora organizations and members play a crucial role in fostering more robust, meaningful, and productive collaborations with their countries of origin.

The African diaspora in Russia has a rich history, shaped by various historical and geopolitical factors. While it has made significant contributions to Russian society, it also faces various challenges that have been progressively addressed and tackled by the Russian government. To strengthen Africa-Russia relations and improve the situation of the African diaspora in Russia, policymakers should consider:

- Implementing anti-discrimination laws and policies that protect the rights of Africans and other minorities in Russia.

- Providing support and resources for African students and entrepreneurs in Russia, including language classes, mentorship programs, and business incubators.

- Collaborating with the African diaspora associations and organizations in Russia to obtain constructive suggestions on various issues.

- Promoting cultural exchange and dialogue between Russian and African communities, through festivals, exhibitions, and other cultural events.

- Encouraging research and scholarship on the history and contributions of the African diaspora in Russia, to increase public awareness and understanding of this important community.